I did my under- and post-grads at UP in Food Sciences. I finished my undergrad in 2019, then enrolled for my master's in 2020, which I finished in 2021. In 2022, I started with my PhD studies.

What motivated you to choose your field of study?

What motivated me to choose this field was my curiosity about food. There is much more to consider regarding the food we eat than we might initially think, so I wanted to learn and understand the science behind it. Another motivating factor was my desire to contribute to tackling some of the challenges faced by the food industry. Once I understood the role of a food scientist, I was equally driven to make my own mark as well.

I continued my postgraduate studies to further educate myself by gaining more knowledge. I also wanted to learn research skills, and South Africa does not have enough black researchers; this also motivated me to try to close the gap. Being a researcher, especially in the food science field, can help a lot in our country, especially in addressing the food security challenges facing our country and as a global issue.

How did your involvement help you develop valuable skills?

I have learned to work in teams and with people from all walks of life; you learn to appreciate people as they are and not to discriminate, especially in the community engagement project where you work with people from all races. Therefore, you get the chance to see things from a different perspective. Time management is also one of the skills I have learned. I can apply them daily, and I am sure I can use them for longer, even professionally. In summary, one could say that participating in community projects helped me to acquire many soft skills, which will be beneficial when I start working in any field.

Are you currently participating in community engagement or social responsibility projects?

Currently, I am not participating in any project because doing a PhD study requires more of your time. Besides, you also have other work that needs you to do, which does not give you enough time to go out and do extra projects. However, I hope I will be able to engage in other community projects in the future.

What advice do you have for current students planning to participate in community engagement projects?

Just do what you love. I have seen most students doing it for marks, and they have more passion for this project. I will say that once you start loving what you do, you have more chance of learning from it and obtaining other soft skills. They should not be shy to engage with one another, especially if they are part of a multi-racial group. Do not exclude yourself from them; engage and learn from one another. This can help you in your career and your whole life.

Are there any specific community engagement projects you have been involved in at UP that you are particularly proud of?

During my time with community engagement, I have participated in several projects. The highlight included helping the Mamelodi community project, where we were helping the ladies and gentlemen sewing to sell their items. I also participated in the Moja Gabedi project, which is still running. We also used to go to the Kungwini Welfare Organisation and helped during the world choir competition.